BELOW THE HOOK
wide steel coil had been introduced into the manufacturing process, which meant the existing lifting equipment was no longer suitable. The new coil dimensions required a C-Hook specifically designed to ensure the correct centre of gravity and stable handling during lifting operations. Designing lifting equipment for coil handling
requires careful consideration of load positioning, hook geometry and structural integrity. The hook must allow the coil to be lifted cleanly and safely while maintaining proper balance beneath the crane hook. Working closely with the customer, Lloyds Beal’s
CAD design engineers developed a configuration that matched the coil dimensions and lifting requirements. Several design discussions took place to confirm the exact geometry and working arrangement before moving into production.
Once the design was finalised, fabrication began at Lloyds Beal’s workshop using their in-house cutting and manufacturing facilities. The main body of the C-Hook was profile cut using plasma cutting equipment, to ensure accurate plate geometry before assembly. The fabrication process included a combination
of precision welding and structural assembly; horizontal boring achieved accurate tolerances in the key connection points. The lifting connection was completed using a wide-mouth green pin bow shackle, providing a robust and reliable interface with the lifting arrangement. Lloyds Beal also fabricated a dedicated storage stand. From design approval through to fabrication, the entire project was delivered within a six-week lead time, allowing the customer to integrate the new lifting equipment into their operations without disruption.
Keep a tight grip
Carl Stahl Fabrication is the UK manufacturing division of Germany-based Carl Stahl, making bespoke lifting equipment and fabrication solutions for the automative, manufacturing and heavy engineering sectors. Lifting beams, frames and clamps are some aspects of their work. Structural calculations, proof testing and inspection to ensure BSEN 13155:2020 Cranes compliance are included. The company recently supplied a pair of bespoke
BTH rail lifting clamps from Carl Stahl Fabrication.
All coiled up
C-Hooks for handling steel coils are common BTH devices and are available off-the shelf or custom designed. Lloyds Beal of Caerphilly was recently approached by a lifting equipment company that required support with the design and manufacture of a bespoke C-Hook. Collaboration within the lifting industry is not unusual; many lifting companies specialise in supply and inspection, but not all have in- house fabrication capabilities. Lloyds Beal does have such capability so is regularly able to assist. In this case, the requirement was for a 14.5t WLL C-Hook, with a purpose-built storage stand to complete it. The request was driven by increased production at the customer’s facility. A new 1,650mm
22 | October 2026 |
www.hoistmagazine.com
1,250kg WLL lifting clamps specifically developed for the safe handling and installation of railway sections. The clamps were fully designed, calculated and fabricated at its Rotherham facility in South Yorkshire. The clamp incorporates a robust scissor-style gripping mechanism, engineered to securely engage with railway components during lifting operations, maintaining stability and controlled load handling the while. An articulated linkage allows the clamp to automatically tighten under load, providing a secure grip during lifting but still enabling quick and efficient release once the load is safely positioned. After manufacture, the lifting clamps were inspected and load tested to verify structural integrity and safe working load performance. All equipment was
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